Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk

Plastic model kit for a Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk fighter aircraft

• Scale 1:48
• Dimensions (built): Length: 279 mm / Wingspan: 183 mm
• 48 parts
• 3 painting options
• unbuilt, unpainted
• Paint and glue not included

The Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk was the world's first operational stealth aircraft and marked a milestone in military aviation. It was developed in the 1970s by the secret development department “Skunk Works” of the Lockheed Corporation. Its first flight took place in 1981, but the aircraft was not officially presented until 1988, after it had already been operated in secret for several years.

The F-117 was specifically designed for precision strikes against heavily defended targets. Its unusual appearance, composed of numerous straight surfaces, arose from the aim of reducing radar detection as much as possible. The angular shape reflected radar beams in other directions, reducing the chance of detection. This was supplemented by radar-absorbing materials and careful shielding of the engines and other reflective components. Despite its designation as “F” for Fighter, the F-117 was not a fighter aircraft, but rather a single-seat precision bomber.

Powered by two turbofan engines, the Nighthawk reached a top speed of around 1,000 km/h and operated primarily at night. Its armament was carried in two internal weapon bays so as not to impair its stealth properties. Typically it carried laser-guided precision bombs with which it could attack heavily protected targets such as command centers, radar systems or anti-aircraft positions.

The F-117 completed its first combat mission in 1989 during the United States invasion of Panama. However, she gained international fame primarily during the Gulf War. There she flew numerous attacks against strategic targets in Iraq and impressively demonstrated the possibilities of stealth technology. Although the F-117 made up only a small portion of the aircraft deployed, it undertook many of the most demanding precision strike missions.

During the Kosovo War, the F-117 suffered its most famous loss. On March 27, 1999, a plane was shot down by the Serbian air defense. This was the first and only confirmed engagement in which an F-117 was lost. The incident showed that stealth technology significantly reduces the likelihood of detection, but does not provide complete protection.

A total of 64 F-117s were built, including five prototypes and pre-production aircraft. The aircraft were officially in service with the United States Air Force until 2008. Their tasks were subsequently taken over by more modern models such as the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor and especially the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. Although the F-117 was decommissioned, it remained active for several years on a limited basis for testing and training purposes.

The F-117A Nighthawk is now considered one of the most important military aircraft of the late 20th century. It demonstrated the effectiveness of modern stealth technology in practical use for the first time and influenced the development of almost all subsequent stealth aircraft. Its distinctive, futuristic appearance also made it one of the most famous machines in aviation history.